University of Leicester Botanic Gardens

The University of Leicester Harold Martin Botanic, founded in 1921, is located near the University of Leicester in Oadby, Leicestershire, England. This Botanic Garden is open to the public and there are 16 acres, or 65,000 m2, of greenhouses and cultivated grounds. The area is mostly used for teaching purposes and research. Besides being used by the Department of Genetics, this Botanic Garden is also home to numerous different events, from plant sales, to music performances.

The University of Leicester Botanic Garden surrounds a number of Edwardian era houses, such as The Knoll, Beaumont House, and Southmeade. Each of these houses now belongs to the Leicester University’s halls of residence. Also a stones throw away is Victoria Park.

There is a wide range of environments and planting. It includes a herb garden, rock gardens, an arboretum, woodland and herbaceous borders, special collections of Skimmia, Aubrieta, and hardy Fuchsia, and a water garden. Likewise, the several glasshouses exhibit different varieties of succulents, alpines, and tropical plants.

As one of the most diverse and versatile Gardens in this area, the University of Leicester Botanic Garden is a perfect place for a relaxing stroll. One can enjoy walking, sitting on the benches and be mesmerized by the stunning surroundings.

Key Information to Know Before Visiting the Botanic Garden

The address of the University of Leicester Botanic Garden is Glebe Road, LE2 2LD.

It is open throughout the year, from 10.00am to 4.00pm every day.

Note that the Garden doesn’t work on 25th December, 26th December and 1st January.

Apart from some event days, the entrance is free.

There are toilets available in the Garden and the paths are appropriate for wheelchair users.

Opening hours for the greenhouses:

In the summer: 10am-3.30pm (but to 3pm on Friday).

In the winter, weekdays:10am-3.30pm (but to 3pm on Friday), and at the weekends: 10am-2.30pm

There isn’t a café during the summer months, except at some special events.

No dogs are allowed in the Garden.

Make sure you don’t scatter the ashes in the Garden.

How to Get to the Botanic Garden

If you’re a visitor, you can enter the Garden on Glebe Road, LE2 2LD. There are two ways to get to the garden, either by bus or car.

When going by bus, you should catch an Arriva 31/31A or Arriva 80/80A from the city centre or railway station and alight at Glebe Road. On the other hand, when getting to the Garden by car, you should follow the ring road A563 to its junction with the A6 at Oadby from M1 junction 21. You will find the Botanic Garden to the roundabout at this junction. So, first turn left, next immediately right.